Ireland bosses have launched an investigation into claims that an international headbutted a fan after the team's defeat by England on Saturday.

Computer technician Terry Gormley, 32, from Dublin, said he suffered a black eye in the alleged attack at Jury's Hotel in Kensington, London, early on Sunday following the game at Twickenham.

Gormley claims the incident occurred after he and his friends criticised members of the Irish squad for their poor performance. Ireland were crushed 50-18 in the Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship clash.

The Irish Rugby Football Union said in a statement: "As a consequence of information which has emerged regarding an alleged incident involving an Irish international squad member, the IRFU confirms it will investigate the matter."

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said they received a complaint about an assault at the hotel at 2.42am on Sunday and were investigating.

The IRFU refused to identify the player at the centre of the allegation.